The Hymnal 1982 519
Blessed city, heavenly Salem
- Tune
- urbs beata jerusalem
- Author(s)
- John Mason Neale, 1818-1866
- Composer(s)
- Charles Winfred Douglas, 1867-1944
- Meter
- 8.7.8.7.8.7
- Text Source(s)
- Latin ca. 7th cent.; Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861 (tr.)
More information available on ritesong or Hymnary.org.
1 Blessed city, heavenly Salem, vision dear of peace and love, who of living stones art builded in the height of heaven above, and, with angel hosts encircled, as a bride dost earthward move;
2 from celestial realms descending, bridal glory round thee shed, meet for him whose love espoused thee, to thy Lord shalt thou be led; all thy streets and all thy bulwarks of pure gold are fashioned.
3 Bright thy gates of pearl are shining; they are open evermore; and by virtue of his merits thither faithful souls do soar, who, for Christ's dear Name, in this world pain and tribulation bore.
4 Many a blow and biting sculpture polished well those stones elect, in their places now compacted by the heavenly Architect, who therewith hath willed for ever that his palace should be decked.
5 Laud and honour to the Father, laud and honour to the Son, laud and honour to the Spirit, ever Three, and ever One, consubstantial, co-eternal, while unending ages run.